Systems and methods for detecting a leaking fuel channel in a nuclear reactor
US9721684B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 6, 2014 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 7, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and systems for detecting an individual leaking fuel channel included in a reactor. One system includes a plurality of inlet lines and a plurality of outlet lines. Each of the plurality of inlet lines feeding annulus fluid in parallel to an annulus space of each of a first plurality of fuel channels included in the reactor, and each of the plurality of outlet lines collecting in parallel annulus fluid exiting an annulus space of each of a second plurality of fuel channels included in the reactor. In some embodiments, the system also includes a detector positioned at an outlet of each of the plurality of outlet lines configured to detect moisture in annulus fluid and identify a first position of an individual leaking fuel channel, and an isolation valve positioned at an inlet of each of the plurality of inlet lines operable to stop annulus fluid from circulating through one of the plurality of inlet lines and to identify a second position of the individual leaking fuel channel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.